South Jeffersons Tyler wears part well

ADAMS CENTER  Nick Tylers lucky T-shirt and shorts have not yet helped him produce a victory on his varsity boys track and field team.

That trend should change this season as the South Jefferson senior is expected to be one of the top distance runners in the Frontier League.

Tyler won his first race after wearing a pair of red Starter athletic shorts and a Little League T-shirt for warm-ups during a modified meet when he was in seventh grade. Because he linked the shirt and shorts with the win, he started wearing that combination before every meet from then on. The shirt, which dated back to his stint with baseball in fifth grade, eventually wore out, and Tyler replaced it with another favorite two years ago.

Tyler says he realizes what he wears doesnt determine the outcome of a race, but the ritual has become a comfort thing for him.

I definitely know hard work and dedication is the key to my success, said Tyler, who competes in all four distance events, the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs and the 3,200 relay. But I think the other large part of the success is my group of teammates. They as a team definitely inspire me and help encourage me to do my best and give me the motivation.

Last year the distance events were dominated by 2012 graduates Sam Anderson of South Lewis and Logan Kempney of Beaver River. Their departure has left opportunities for Tyler, in his third season on the varsity team.

It makes it exciting, Tyler said. Because its kind of like Im the young guy thats left, and so it gives me potential to lead the rest of my team and set them up for success and help them to potentially be league champions.

Tyler captured the league cross country championship last fall. He finished behind Anderson and Kempney the year before.

Tylers stiffest league competition this campaign should come from Alex Hall of Beaver River and Sam Benzing of South Lewis. Ben Godin of Indian River may challenge him in the 800. Beyond that, his toughest sectional foe will be Ryan Manahan of Marcellus.

I saw him on modified and I knew he was going to be good, South Jefferson coach John Arcaro said. Hes got a great, strong drive. He has that attitude that he doesnt want to get beat.

Tyler moved from baseball at a young age to cross country and track because of his running abilities.

I dont like baseball at all, Tyler said. Its very boring. I feel like only two people are really playing. Everybodys always doing something in track all the time.

Tyler says its interesting his favorite running shirt came from playing another sport.

Its kind of comical that for five years of my career I was running cross country and track, not playing baseball, Tyler said.

Tyler has taken to coach Arcaros coaching techniques, which Arcaro admits doesnt resemble the advice available on running websites. His coaching philosophy focuses on foot speed rather than pacing oneself during a race.

Hes very coachable, hes a very hard worker, said Arcaro, in his 23rd season. When you tell him to do something he takes it right to heart and hes going to do it both workout-wise and strategy-wise.

The Spartans finished just 2-5 last year, but the outlook is much better this season. Seniors Matt Mundt and Andrew Pfiel are leaders in the sprints and pole vault. The team also gained athletes from other sports, including seniors Chris Shelmidine who played lacrosse last season, and William Beese, who used to play baseball. Shelmidine ran cross country in the fall and will contribute to the distance races, while Beese, a basketball player, will make his debut in the high jump and long jump.

Defending league champion Indian River lost nine from its roster to graduation, including star athlete Rayshan Clark. Clark dominated the sprints, jumps and hurdles last year. The Warriors still appear to be league favorites.

Im going to always say you gotta beat the champ, Arcaro said. So Im going to say Indian River is the team to beat.